Mindful Drinking, Mental Health, and Redefining Rituals with Michelle Houston

Alcohol shapes social life, productivity, and our inner dialogue more than we admit. In this Soul Sparks with Saima episode, Michelle Houston—founder of To Be Honest Beverage—breaks down the emotional and neurological links between alcohol and mental health. We explore why “just one or two” still changes choices and relationships, how to swap autopilot drinking for intentional rituals, and practical behavior-change tactics that actually stick. If you’re sober-curious, rethinking your habits, or building a purpose-driven brand, this straight-talking conversation offers clear steps to move from numbing to nuance—on your terms.

About the Guest  :

Michelle Houston is the founder of To Be Honest Beverage, a conscious-drinking brand focused on flavor, function, and experience without alcohol. Drawing on coaching and behavior-change work, she champions choice, presence, and values-led living.

Key Takeaways:

• Alcohol is a depressant that alters mood, cognition, language, and inhibition—even at “social” levels—shaping choices and relationships the day-of and days after.

• Many drink to cope, numb, or avoid; mindful alternatives plus addressing root causes (therapy, reflection, community) reduce the anxiety spiral of brain fog and self-doubt.

• Rituals matter. Keep the social experience, upgrade the contents: craft, flavor, and functional beverages can deliver the “cocktail” experience without intoxication.

• Presence deepens connection. Not drinking often heightens awareness and strengthens relationships through clearer conversations and memory.

• Start with a candid baseline. Like GPS, you need a starting point before goals; audit current habits, then layer small, realistic steps.

• Sustain change by aligning with values (e.g., connection, vitality) rather than external expectations; misalignment drives relapse into old patterns.

• Momentum dips are normal. Revisit your “why,” simplify your next step, and cut the shame narrative; consistency grows from self-respect, not punishment.

• Purpose-driven brands can resist pressure by staying small, direct-to-consumer, and values-led; integrity compounds over a 10-year horizon more than early “virality.”

• Practical first move: define the next smallest actionable task (not five gym days—maybe a 10-minute walk), then repeat.

• Language check: notice catastrophizing and negative self-talk; bring fear and shame “to light” via writing, sharing, or therapy to reduce charge.

Connect with the Guest  :

Website: tobehonestbev.comSocial: @ToBeHonestBev on YouTube, TikTok, and InstagramAvailability: Ships across the U.S.; stocked at select non-alcoholic shops and bars.DM for questions via Instagram: @ToBeHonestBev

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Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:

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